You’re in for an Un-fore-gettable Day on the Green
If you’re looking to tee off, soak up some sun and enjoy some of the best golf courses in the country, then look no further than the Coachella Valley. With lush, open fairways, impeccable surrounding desert scenery and luxurious amenities at nearly every course and club, the Coachella Valley is a golfer’s paradise. And with over 100 courses to choose from, both seasoned pros and newbies will have no problem finding a course they love. So what are you waiting for? Grab your clubs and read on to discover 10 of our favorite golf courses in the Coachella Valley.
SilverRock Resort
SilverRock Resort‘s Arnold Palmer Classic Course is the natural ace of our list. With a sprawling 7,200-yard course spread across 200 acres of pristine desert landscaping, this challenging course has drawn both pros and amateurs to the desert for nearly two decades. The course itself boasts a scenic array of water features and foliage as well. This, coupled with the gorgeous backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, gives golfers a true taste of the leisurely desert lifestyle that has made the area such an attractive destination for so many years. Additionally, the accompanying resort grounds also house some great dining options, allowing players to unwind after their round. SilverRock Grill is held in particularly high regard due to its elegant yet relaxed ambiance (and epic views!) as well as its excellent selection of food and beverage options, making this golf resort perfect for an afternoon spent hitting the links.
Location: La Quinta
Desert Island Country Club
For nearly 50 years, Desert Island Country Club’s golf course was a well-guarded member’s only escape, revered as a little slice of Eden in the heart of Rancho Mirage. But now, for the first time ever, visitors have the chance to experience the club’s shimmering, serpentine course in all its glory. Perched next to a dazzling 25-acre lake with mountainous views beset on all sides, this 6,716-yard course features some of the most scenic and well-manicured greenscapes in the area. Designed in 1971 by famous architect Desmond Muirhead, the course is challenging yet approachable, and thanks to its newfound public access, visitors can enjoy the course and all of its accompanying amenities, including its curated and snazzy selection of bars and restaurants.
Location: Rancho Mirage
Classic Club
When it comes to creating a top-of-the-line, pro-level golf course, there was perhaps no one better than golfing legend Arnold Palmer; in 2006, Classic Club did exactly that. Hailed as one of the best courses in all of Southern California, Classic Club’s meticulously crafted 7,300-yard course features over 14 acres of dazzling water features, rows of luscious pine trees and panoramic views of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains, giving it an atmosphere and aesthetic that is truly unique and undeniably stunning. One round here and you’ll see why both professionals and amateurs absolutely love this course.
Location: Palm Desert
Indian Wells Golf Resort
One of the only clubs on our list featuring not one, but two courses featured in Golfweek’s Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the United States,” Indian Wells Golf Resort is as expansive as it is well-crafted. Featuring 36 holes with difficulty varying from fun and friendly all the way up to PGA level, this course is perfect for groups and gatherings of all skill levels. The resort itself also features top-of-the-line amenities, including its ever-popular Vue Grille & Bar, as well as excellent selection of rooms and suites at the adjoining (but unaffiliated) Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
Location: Indian Wells
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Rancho Las Palmas Country Club
Hailed for its breathtaking grounds, dining and opportunities for recreation, Rancho Las Palmas Country Club is a cherished part of the Rancho Mirage community. But what many don’t know is it is also home to three of the best nine-hole golf courses in the area! Featuring 27 holes of championship level golf, its courses offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges–interrupted only by the serene sight of swaying palm trees. And with infamous features, such as the Ted Robinson bunkers, each hole is sure to challenge both seasoned aficionados and amateurs.
Location: Rancho Mirage
The Lights at Indio Golf Course
Who says golf needs to be all sunshine and daylight? At The Lights at Indio, players can experience the unique thrill of hitting the links after the sun sets thanks to its fully lighted golf course! This one-of-a-kind experience allows players to enjoy 46 acres of pristine, manicured greenery while also taking full advantage of those warm desert nights. This is a par-3 course, but holes ranging all the way from 110 to 240 yards, making it the largest course of its kind in the country. So grab your clubs, watch the sunset and enjoy a nighttime golfing experience unlike any other.
Location: Indio
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Desert Willow Golf Resort
Desert Willow Golf Resort is a great choice for those looking for a scenic and luxurious golf excursion suited to a variety of skill levels. This is thanks to its two highly acclaimed yet equally unique championship-level courses. Players looking for a smooth, relaxing round can enjoy a turn on the popular Mountain View course, while those looking for a real challenge can sharpen their skills on the Firecliff Course, featuring a myriad of terrain types and beautiful water features. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy your time at this spacious and luxurious golf resort.
Location: Palm Desert
La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club is as iconic as they come. From its lush and vibrant flower-laden grounds to its premier country club, this Spanish-style resort has earned its reputation of being both charming and luxurious–and to nobody’s surprise, its stellar golf courses follow suit. Featuring five different courses of varying difficulty and terrain, La Quinta Resort’s course selection encompasses one of the largest golf experiences available, making it a haven for fans of the game. With fairways stretching all the way from sandy dunes to rocky mountain precipices, and having hosted some of the biggest and best tournaments in the world, these prestigious courses are nothing short of a must-visit for golf connoisseurs.
Location: La Quinta
Escena Golf Club
Escena Golf Club is hailed as one of the quintessential classic golf experiences in the area. Designed by Nicklaus Designs, the course architecture firm founded by legendary professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, Escena’s 7,300 yards of sweeping greens and unobstructed sightlines provides players with ample room to hone their skills while strategically placed hazards and water features reward players who are skilled enough to toy with them. The strength of the course combined with Escena’s outstanding amenities, including the elegant Escena Grill, make this a premier golf experience that’s worth a swing.
Location: Palm Springs
Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Set on 550 acres of scenic, mountainous desert landscape, Indian Canyons Golf Resort’s historic presence dates back all the way to 1961 and has been adored by locals and visitors alike ever since. Deemed the favorite course of several celebrities, professionals and even former US presidents in the area, this historic resort’s appeal is palpable from the second you step onto one of its two outstanding courses. And with 36 holes of golf to enjoy, all bedecked with serene water features and jaw-dropping mountain views, there is enough luxury, scenery and difficulty to keep even the most skilled players coming back for more.
Location: Palm Springs
